A multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing short- and medium-term outcomes of novel biologics and lightweight synthetic mesh for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.

INTRODUCTION: The use of biological graft in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR) has been controversial, and there is a lack of high-level evidence to confirm the value of biological graft in LIHR. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel composite biologics in LIHR. METHODS: A multicenter, single-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial was designed. Fifty patients with unilateral primary inguinal hernia were randomly assigned to the experimental and control group (1:1). The experimental group was repaired with a non-crosslinked composite extracellular matrix from porcine urinary bladder matrix and small intestinal submucosa (UBM/SIS). The control group was repaired with a lightweight, large-pore, synthetic mesh. The primary endpoint was the effectiveness rate of hernia repair. RESULTS: The patients were followed up for four years. No significant difference was found between the experimental group and the control group in the effective rate of hernia repair (24/24[100%] vs 21/22[95.45%], RR, 0.4667; 95%CI, 0.3294-2.304; P = 0.4783). There was no fever, seroma, infection, groin pain, foreign body discomfort or recurrence in the experimental group during the follow-up. In the control group, there were 2 cases of seroma 14 days after operation, 1 case of groin discomfort 60 days after operation and one case of recurrence 410 days after surgery. CONCLUSION: Compared with the lightweight synthetic mesh, the novel UBM/SIS graft has comparable short-term and medium-term effectiveness in LIHR, and the incidence of postoperative complications such as seroma groin discomfort is lower. Trial registration Clinical Trials Registry: ChiCTR1800020173.

Oral bioaccessibility of potentially toxic elements in various urban environmental media.

An important aspect of geochemical studies is determining health hazard of potentially toxic elements (PTEs). Key information on PTEs behaviour in the human body in case of their ingestion is provided with the use of in vitro bioaccessibility tests. We analysed and compared oral bioaccessibility of a wide range of PTEs (As, Cd, Ce, Cr, Cu, Hg, La, Li, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, Zn), including some that are not often studied but might pose a human health hazard, in soil, attic dust, street dust, and household dust, using Unified BARGE Method (UBM). Additionally, feasibility of usage of scanning electron microscope techniques in analyses of solid residuals of UBM phases was tested. Results show that bioaccessible fractions (BAFs) of PTEs vary significantly between individual samples of the same medium, between different media and between the gastric and gastro-intestinal phases. In soil, attic dust and street dust, bioaccessibility of individual PTE is mostly higher in gastric than in gastro-intestinal phase. The opposite is true for PTEs in household dust. In all four media, with the exception of Pb in household dust, among the most bioaccessible PTEs in gastric phase are Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn. During the transition from the stomach to small intestine, the mean BAFs of most elements in soil, attic dust, and street dust decreases. The most bioaccessible PTEs in gastro-intestinal phase are Cu, Cd, Ni, and As. Micromorphological and chemical characterisation at individual particle level before and after bioaccessibility test contribute significantly to the understanding of oral bioaccessibility.

The comparison of white-to-white via triple person-times caliper measuring and machine-measuring in V4c implantable collamer lens implantation.

This study aimed to compare the differences and characteristics of white-to-white (WTW) values obtained before V4c implantation using triple person-times caliper, IOL-Master 700, Pentacam HR, and UBM, and to assess their correlation with vaulting. A total of 930 myopia patients (1842 eyes) who were interested in undergoing ICL surgery were assessed before the procedure using various instruments. The WTW measurements were obtained using a triple person-times caliper, Pentacam HR, and IOL-Master 700, whereas the angle-to-angle (ATA) measurements were obtained using UBM. The size of the ICL was subsequently calculated using triple person-times caliper measurements. The vault of the ICL was assessed using Pentacam HR three months after the surgery. The WTW was determined to be 11.30 ± 0.29 mm, 11.43 ± 0.29 mm, and11.86 ± 0.38 mm, respectively, using the triple person-times caliper, Pentacam HR, and IOL-Master 700. The measurement of ATA was 11.57 ± 0.51 mm, as done by UBM. The ICL vault was measured to be 400.97 ± 198.46 µm when examined with Pentacam HR three monthsafter the procedure. The linear regression analyses of ICL size and WTW of triple person-times caliper, ICL vault and WTW were (R = 0.703, p < 0.001; R = 0.0969, p < 0.001) respectively. The highest correlation was found between IOL-Master and Pentacam HR (r = 0.766, p = 0.000). The lowest correlation was found between UBM and Pentacam HR (r = 0.358, p = 0.002). Bland-Altman analysis showed that the 95% limits of agreement (LoA) were the triple person-times caliper and Pentacam HR (- 0.573, 0.298) and the triple person-times caliper and UBM (- 1.15, - 0.605). This indicated a strong agreement between the triple person-times caliper and Pentacam HR and a lack of agreement between the triple person-times caliper and UBM. Triple person-times caliper measurements offer excellent maneuverability, practicality, and reliable outcomes for determining ICL vaults. Measurements obtained using the triple-person caliper were less differece than those obtained using the Pentacam HR.

Distribution and associations of anterior lens zonules lengths in patients with cataract.

PURPOSE: To investigate the characteristics and associations of anterior lens zonules lengths in cataract patients via ultrasound biomicroscope (UBM) measurement. METHODS: Patients with age-related cataracts and high myopic cataracts who planned to undergo cataract surgery were included in the study. After routine ophthalmic examinations, the UBM was performed on both eyes to get images of the anterior lens zonules, and Image J software was used to measure the lengths of the lens zonules. Axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), and white-to-white (WTW) diameter of both eyes were obtained by IOL Master 700. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to assess associated factors of anterior lens zonules lengths. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients with age-related cataracts and 33 patients with high myopic cataracts were enrolled. High myopic cataract patients were younger and had longer anterior lens zonules. Multivariate regression analysis showed that anterior lens zonules lengths were associated with axial lengths (temporal location: ß = 0.036, P = 0.029; nasal location: ß = 0.034, P = 0.011; superior location: ß = 0.046, P = 0.002) and ACD (inferior location: ß = 0.305, P = 0.016) in right eyes. In left eyes, anterior lens zonules lengths were associated with axial lengths (temporal location: ß = 0.028, P = 0.017; inferior location: ß = 0.026, P = 0.016; nasal location: ß = 0.033, P < 0.001) and ACD (inferior location: ß = 0.215, P = 0.030; superior location: ß = 0.290, P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: High myopic cataract patients have longer anterior lens zonules. AL and ACD contributed to the lengths of anterior lens zonules. Thus, for patients with long AL and deeper ACD, lens zonules measurement was crucial. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.chictr.org.cn identifier is ChiCTR2300071397.

Ultrasound Biomicroscopy as a Novel, Potential Modality to Evaluate Anterior Segment Ophthalmic Structures during Spaceflight: An Analysis of Current Technology.

Ocular health is currently a major concern for astronauts on current and future long-duration spaceflight missions. Spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) is a collection of ophthalmic and neurologic findings that is one potential physiologic barrier to interplanetary spaceflight. Since its initial report in 2011, our understanding of SANS has advanced considerably, with a primary focus on posterior ocular imaging including fundus photography and optical coherence tomography. However, there may be changes to the anterior segment that have not been identified. Additional concerns to ocular health in space include corneal damage and radiation-induced cataract formation. Given these concerns, precision anterior segment imaging of the eye would be a valuable addition to future long-duration spaceflights. The purpose of this paper is to review ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and its potential as a noninvasive, efficient imaging modality for spaceflight. The analysis of UBM for spaceflight is not well defined in the literature, and such technology may help to provide further insights into the overall anatomical changes in the eye in microgravity.

Morphometric Assessment of Sclera and Ciliary Body in Patients with Noninfectious Anterior Scleritis: A Quantitative Study Using Ultrasound Biomicroscopy.

BACKGROUND: At present, the severity and grade of anterior scleritis are judged mainly based on the area and location of involvement, whether there is necrosis, etc. Quantitative measurement of sclera and surrounding tissues will help to accurately assess the severity of scleritis and provide quantitative indicators for the choice of treatment. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the thickness of sclera and ciliary bodies detected by ultrasound biological microscopy (UBM) in noninfectious anterior scleritis patients who subsequently were treated with topical or systemic treatment, and visited our hospital from March 2014 to March 2021. Age- and sex-matched normal individuals were used as controls. RESULTS: A total of 185 patients (50 males and 135 females) with noninfectious anterior scleritis and 84 (31 males and 53 females) controls were included. In patients with noninfectious scleritis, the thickness of sclera and the ciliary body were significantly greater than those in the control group (p < 0.05). Before treatment, the thickness of sclera and the ciliary body in systemic treatment group was significantly higher than that in topical treatment group (p < 0.05). After treatment, both thicknesses of sclera and the ciliary body decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The ratio of ciliary body thickness from the site of inflammation to the normal position was significantly higher in the systemic treatment group than in the topical treatment group. CONCLUSIONS: UBM quantitatively shows a decrease in AST/CBT in patients with anterior scleritis after treatment. The ratio of ciliary body thickness at the site of information to that at the normal position may be a reference for the choice of treatment.

Ultrasound biomicroscopy in the management of complex cataract and intraocular lens: A review.

Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) is an invaluable investigation for imaging anterior segment structures. Although it is operator-dependent and time consuming, unlike optical-based imaging techniques, it is able to image structures posterior to the iris, such as the zonules, ciliary body and part of the pars plana. It is especially useful in advanced cataracts, traumatic cataracts, subluxed lenses, posterior polar cataracts, and congenital and developmental anomalies affecting the anterior segment. It provides diagnostic information in eyes with complex cataracts or intraocular lens (IOL)-related pathology, and aids in surgical planning in order to minimise complications. In this review, we describe the UBM features of various lenticular pathologies and demonstrate its application in the diagnosis and surgical management of lens and IOL-related pathologies.

Bioaccessibility assessment of arsenic and cadmium in polished and unpolished rice: Comparison of three in vitro methods.

INFOGEST is a standardized in vitro digestion method suitable for foods, but rarely used to study the bioaccessibility of heavy metals in food. This study aimed to explore the differences between INFOGEST and the extensively used Physiologically Based Extraction Test (PBET) and Unified Bioaccessibility Research Group of Europe Method (UBM) methods for determining the bioaccessibility of As and Cd in rice. Intestinal As (79.3 ± 8.5 %, 75.8 ± 12.7 %, and 72.3 ± 12.2 % for INFOGEST, PBET, and UBM, respectively) and Cd (47.0 ± 6.4 %, 40.7 ± 13.8 %, and 38.1 ± 15.7 % for INFOGEST, PBET, and UBM, respectively) bioaccessibilities in the rice samples determined by the three methods were generally similar (p > 0.1, except for As bioaccessibility between INFOGEST and UBM). Furthermore, PBET was significantly correlated with INFOGEST for As bioaccessibility (R2 = 0.416) and with UBM for Cd bioaccessibility (R2 = 0.879). Additionally, PBET indicated that the bioaccessibilities of As and Cd in the polished rice were 17.0 % and 19.8 % higher, respectively, than that in the unpolished rice. This study highlights the influence of in vitro methods and rice matrices on heavy metal bioaccessibility values, necessitating a more accurate assessment of health risks associated with rice consumption.

Imaging of Anterior Segment Tumours: A Comparison of Ultrasound Biomicroscopy Versus Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography.

Anterior segment tumours of the eye are relatively rare but can pose significant morbidity and mortality. We conducted a literature review to compare the performance of ultrasound biomicroscopy to anterior segment optical coherence tomography in the imaging of these tumours. A total of seven studies were included accounting for a cumulative 1,114 eyes. Ultrasound biomicroscopy has traditionally formed, and remains, the mainstay of tumour imaging due to its ability to penetrate pigmented lesions and delineate the posterior border of tumours, and the current evidence supports this.

Dispersive Solid-phase Microextraction of Lead in Waters and Edible Lettuce and Dill Extracts in the Unified Bioaccessibility Method (UBM) Saliva Solution.

A new thiosemicarbazide-modified, sulfonamide-based poly (styrene) adsorbent (T-CSPS) was prepared starting from the reaction of chlorosulfonated polystyrene and thiosemicarbazide. It was characterized by SEM-EDX, FT-IR, and zeta potential. The T-CSPS was used as an adsorbent for the first time for the dispersive solid-phase microextraction (d-SPµE) and preconcentration of Pb(II) ions from waters and dill and lettuce extracts in the unified bioaccessibility method (UBM) saliva. Lead was then determined using the FAAS. In the first step of optimization, the solution pH was changed from 2 to 8, and pH 4 with a recovery value of 103% ± 5 was selected. Two milliliters of 2 mol L-1 HCl was chosen as eluent. Contact times were found to be only 2 min. Effects of coexisting ions and sample volume were tested. Under optimal conditions, the preconcentration factor (PF) and the adsorption capacity were 15 and 40 mg g-1. The RSD% was 2.2% and 3.1% for intra-day and inter-day precision, respectively. The LOD and LOQ were found to be 5.1 µg L-1 and 16.9 µg L-1, respectively. The accuracy of the d-SPµE was checked by TMDA-70.2 Lake water and BCR-482 Lichen-certified reference materials and also applying d-SPµE to spiked waters and lettuce and dill extracts in UBM saliva.

Unveiling the power of imaging techniques: comparing high-resolution ultrasound and functional MR neurography in peripheral nervous system pathology: a short communication.

MRI and ultrasonography are used for diagnosing and helping manage peripheral nervous system pathologies. Multiple studies have compared the diagnostic accuracy of these two modalities, but the results can vary depending on the specific conditions being evaluated. In general, high-resolution ultrasound is considered a reliable and accurate tool for evaluating peripheral nerves, with high sensitivity and specificity. High-resolution ultrasound and functional MR neurography are both noninvasive imaging techniques used to evaluate nerve structures in the body. However, they differ in several technical aspects like imaging modality, spatial resolution, field of view, image quality, and accessibility. Establishing consensus on image acquisition techniques, and reporting formats to facilitate effective communication and comparison of results will further enhance the outcomes. The use of advanced ultrasound techniques, such as contrast-enhanced ultrasound, elastography, and ultrasound biomicroscopy, should be promoted for better visualization and characterization of nervous tissues, like transcranial Doppler for cerebrovascular evaluation.

The morphology of angle dysgenesis assessed by ultrasound biomicroscopy and its relationship with glaucoma severity and mutant genes in Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome.

Background: Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome (ARS), a developmental disorder, involves anterior segment abnormalities and can lead to glaucoma. However, limited research has addressed the ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) characteristics of ARS. This study aimed to assess the anterior chamber angle features using UBM in ARS and determine their correlation with glaucoma severity and mutant genes. Methods: UBM examination was conducted for 42 patients diagnosed with ARS and glaucoma. The morphology of the anterior chamber angle was classified into 6 types (type A, pure high iris insertion; type B, posterior embryotoxon; type C, iris process; type D, trabecular-iris synechia; type E, peripheral iridocorneal adhesion; type F, goniodysgenesis). Candidate genes were sequenced with next-generation sequencing. Correlations of clinical characteristics with angle dysgenesis types and mutant genes were analyzed. Results: Among the 42 patients recruited, 6 eyes were excluded for poor quality UBM images or lack of glaucoma development. The remaining 78 eyes were categorized into 6 groups according to their dominant type of anterior chamber angle (>2 quadrants). There were statistically significant differences in onset age of glaucoma (P<0.001), untreated intraocular pressure (IOP) (P=0.016), vertical cup to disc ratio (P=0.001), and age at surgery (P<0.001) among the groups. Eyes in the type C and D groups developed glaucoma and underwent surgery at an earlier age, while eyes in the type B, E, and F groups developed glaucoma at a relatively later age. Eyes in type A group developed glaucoma and underwent surgery at the latest age, and had the lowest untreated IOP compared to the other groups. Patients with FOXC1 defects were more likely to have angle type B, type C, and type D (accounting for 93.8% of the total), whereas patients with PITX2 defects were more likely to have angle type A, type E, and type F (accounting for 92.1% of the total). Conclusions: UBM is powerful for evaluating the anterior segment abnormalities in ARS. Combined with genetic testing results, the morphological classification helps to assess the severity of glaucoma.

Effects of prematurity and retinopathy of prematurity on refractive errors and biometric optic components in school children: results of a tertiary center from Turkey.

PURPOSE: To reveal refractive errors, the relationship between refractive errors and optical parameters, and the effect of prematurity and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) on ocular development in school children with a history of prematurity. METHODS: Premature children aged 8-12 years were divided into 3 groups as those without ROP (Group 1), with ROP that did not require treatment (Group 2), and with laser-treated ROP (Group 3). Age-matched full-term healthy children were included in the control group. Demographic features were recorded. A detailed ophthalmologic examination was performed. Anterior chamber depth (ACD), trabecular-iris angle (TIA), iris thickness (IT), lens thickness (LT), vitreous body length (VBL), axial length (AL) were measured by ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM). The results were compared between groups. RESULTS: Group 3 had the lowest best corrected visual acuity (0.81 ± 0.31 SL), the highest rates of myopia (55.9%) and astigmatism (50.0%). In the premature groups, ACD (p < 0.001), TIA (p < 0.001), IT (p = 0.016), VBL (p < 0.001) and AL (p < 0.001) were lower; LT (p < 0.001) was higher than in the control group. As birth weight (BW) and gestational age (GA) increased, ACD, TIA, VBL and AL increased, and LT decreased (p < 0.001). In the group 3, 35.2% anisometropia, 17.6% of esotropia and 5.9% of exotropia were detected. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia and anisometropia is increasing in premature children, especially in cases with laser-treated ROP. Premature cases are characterized by thicker lens, shallower ACD, narrower TIA and shorter AL. Refractive errors, anisometropia, amblyopia and strabismus are important causes of visual impairment in children with laser-treated ROP.

Qualitative ultrasound biomicroscopy in glaucoma.

Background: UBM is a high-resolution ultrasound technique which allows non-invasive, in vivo imaging of the anterior segment and iridocorneal angle. Purpose: This video is compilation of short video clips and images which gives description on identification of angle closure due to pupillary block, peripheral anterior synechiae, iris bombe, plateau iris, supra ciliary effusion, and malignant glaucoma. It also shows video demonstrating partially and fully patent iridotomy and features of trabeculectomy bleb. Synopsis: This video summarizes importance of UBM application in angle closure glaucoma to understand its pathophysiology by showing the relationship between the peripheral iris, trabecular meshwork and ciliary processes. Highlights: UBM provides two-dimensional, grayscale images of the angle structures and allows identification of non-pupillary block mechanism in angle closure glaucoma, which can be recorded for qualitative and quantitative analyses. Video Link: https://youtu.be/prsmGnR8jYc.

Improvement in the ideal range of vault after implantable collamer lens implantation: a new vault prediction formula.

Background: To derive and validate a novel vault prediction formula to improve the predictability and safety of implantable collamer lens (ICL) implantation. Methods: Thirty-five patients (61 eyes) with previous posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation were included. Various parameters, such as horizontal-visible iris diameter (HVID), photopic pupil diameter (PPD), axial length (AL), white-to-white (WTW), anterior chamber width (ACW), angle-to-angle (ATA), crystalline lens rise (CLR), anterior chamber depth (ACD), horizontal sulcus-to-sulcus (HSTS), and ciliary sulcus angle (CSA) were measured. Vault was measured at 3 months after surgery using CASIA2 anterior segment optical coherence tomography. The formula was derived using multiple linear regression analysis and named as WH formula. It was validated in 65 patients (118 eyes) to determine the percentage of the ideal postoperative vault range and to compare the differences between the WH formula and the NK, KS, and STAAR formulas. Results: Final ICL size, ATA, CSA, and CLR were included in the prediction formula model (adjusted R2 = 0.67, p < 0.001). The achieved vault 1 month after the surgery was 556.19 µm ± 166.98 µm in the validation group, and the ideal vault range was 200-800 µm (92%). The difference between the achieved vault and that predicted using the WH formula was not statistically significant (p = 0.165), whereas the difference between the achieved vault and that predicted using the NK and KS formulas was statistically significant (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). The 95% agreement limit range of the achieved vault and the vault predicted using the WH formula was narrower than those predicted using the NK and KS formulas (-295.20-258.82 µm). Conclusion: This study combined the results of optical coherence tomography and ultrasound biomicroscopy measurements of the anterior segment of the eye and incorporated ciliary sulcus morphology quantification into the prediction formula. The study derived a prediction formula for vault by combining ICL size, ATA, and CLR. The derived formula was found to be superior to the currently available formulas.

Quantitative ultrasound biomicroscopy of iridocorneal angle.

Background: Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) is a high-resolution ultrasound technique, which allows noninvasive, in vivo imaging of the ocular anterior segment structures. Purpose: This video gives a description of the identification of the iridocorneal angle structures in the cross-sectional view in a radial scan through a typical ciliary process and a guide toward measuring the angle parameters. Synopsis: UBM provides two-dimensional, grayscale images of the iridocorneal angle. The real-time image is displayed on a video monitor and can be recorded for qualitative and quantitative analysis. The angle parameters can be measured by in-built calipers in the machine software and manipulated by the examiner. Highlights: This video demonstrates UBM caliper positions as displayed on the monitor and marked by the examiner for the measurement of various anterior segment parameters of the eye. Video link: https://youtu.be/WTXMupYoyww.

Qualitative ultrasound biomicroscopy of the normal anterior segment.

Background: Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) is a high-resolution ultrasound technique that allows noninvasive, in vivo imaging of the ocular anterior segment structures. Before interpreting the UBM images of the diseased eyes, it is essential to understand the structures seen in the UBM image of the normal eye. Purpose: This video is a compilation of short video clips that gives description of identification of the anterior segment structures in the axial scan, a cross-sectional view through the anterior chamber angle region of a normal subject in a radial scan, and identification of ciliary processes in the transverse scan. Synopsis: UBM provides two-dimensional, grayscale images of the various anterior segment structures and allows all these structures to be imaged simultaneously, in their normal state, as they occur in the living eye. The real-time image is displayed on a video monitor and can be recorded for qualitative and quantitative analysis. Highlights: The video gives an overview of identification of normal anterior segment structures on UBM. Video link https://youtu.be/3KooOp2Cn30.

[Comparison of available clinical and imaging tools to assess good positioning of a fluocinolone acetonide implant (Iluvien®) in the vitreous cavity after injection]. / Comparaison des moyens clinique et d'imagerie disponibles en pratique clinique pour objectiver la présence de l'implant d'acétonide de fluocinolone (Iluvien®) dans la cavité vitréenne après injection.

INTRODUCTION: Sustained-release corticosteroid implants are injected into the vitreous cavity using preloaded pens. The fluocinolone (FAc) implant is approximately half the size of the dexamethasone implant (Dex-I). It is simply introduced in the vitreous base rather than propelled into the vitreous cavity as is Dex-I. Verification of its positioning after injection is thus difficult by indirect ophthalmoscopy. The goal of our study is to compare the performance of available clinical and imaging tools to confirm the presence of the FAc in the vitreous cavity following injection. METHODS: Twelve eyes of 12 consecutive patients were included in a retrospective, single-center, observational study carried out at the Bordeaux University Hospital, France. All patients were injected with the FAc after pupil dilation, and presence of the implant was immediately checked by indirect biomicroscopy, wide-field retinography (Clarus®, Carl-Zeiss-Meditec, Dublin, CA, USA) and ultra-wide-field retinography (California®, Optos, Edinburgh, United-Kingdom). Seven days later, a B-mode ultrasonography (10MHz, AVISO, Quantel-medical, France) and an UBM ultrasonography (50MHz, AVISO, Quantel-medical, France) were performed. RESULTS: Indirect biomicroscopy and wide-field retinography detected 4/12 implants (33.3%). Ultra-wide-field retinophotography detected 6/12 implants (50%). All the implants seen using indirect biomicroscopy and wide-field retinography were also visualized with ultra-wide-field. B-mode ultrasonography showed 5/12 implants (41.6%) and UBM 9/12 implants (75%). Finally, one implant dislocated into the anterior chamber and was seen in the iridocorneal angle on gonioscopy. CONCLUSION: Objective confirmation of the proper positioning of the FAc implant in the vitreous cavity is mandatory. If both indirect ophthalmoscopy and anterior examination fail to detect it, ultra-wide field retinography along with UBM ultrasonography, if necessary, appear to be the two best imaging modalities to use.

Changes in molybdenum bioaccessibility in four spiked soils with respect to soil pH and organic matter.

Investigation of the inherent relationship between soil physicochemical properties and pollutant's bioaccessibility (BAc) by analyzing different soil types may produce erroneous results or bias, owing to the complexity of natural soil characteristics. However, use of single factor analysis (e.g., soil pH, organic matter) facilitates evaluation of the transition. In this study, the inherent relationship between soil properties and the BAc of molybdenum (Mo) was evaluated in two typical variable-charge soils (Ferralosol and Ferrosol) and constant-charge soils (Alfisol and Inceptisol) spiked with Mo after adjusting their pH and organic carbon content. The Unified Bioaccessibility Research Group of Europe (BARGE) Method (UBM) was applied to evaluate the BAc of Mo in the gastric and intestinal phase (GP and IP, respectively). Isothermal adsorption experiment, Tessier sequential extraction, and field emission scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive spectroscopy (FESEM-EDS) analysis were conducted on these spiked soils. The results indicated that the BAc of Mo in IP (27.42-80.41%) was significantly higher than that in GP (2.52-28.53%). A significantly lower level of BAc of Mo was found in the variable-charge soils, when compared with that in the constant-charge soils. Furthermore, significant negative correlations were identified between the BAc and adsorption of Mo, which decreased with soil pH. These negative correlations can be attributed to the increase in soil negative charge density and enhancement of Mo desorption by hydroxyl, which reinforce the repulsion between Mo and soil particles with increasing soil pH; this was further confirmed by the decrease in Mo adsorption with Alfisol pH. The Mo fractions and FESEM-EDS patterns confirmed that the BAc of Mo in GP was negatively correlated with soil organic carbon (SOC) content, possibly owing to an increase in Mo retention by SOC. These findings indicated that the health risk of Mo contamination in low pH and SOC-rich variable-charge soil is relatively low, thus providing references for rationalizing risk assessment and remediating Mo-polluted soil.

Swept-source optical coherence tomography and ultrasound biomicroscopy study of anterior segment parameters in primary angle-closure glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the agreement between swept-source OCT (CASIA2) and UBM in primary angle-closure glaucoma. METHODS: Eighty eyes of 40 participants diagnosed with primary angle-closure glaucoma were examined. Parameters measured included angle opening distance (AOD), angle recess area (ARA), trabecular iris space area (TISA), trabecular iris angle (TIA), lens vault (LV), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and anterior chamber width (ACW). Angle images of nasal, temporal, superior, and inferior were acquired by the anterior segment mode of CASIA2 and UBM. One-way analysis of variance and paired t-test were used for statistical analysis, and the agreement was analyzed by internal correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman method. RESULTS: One-way ANOVA pairwise comparison showed that CASIA2 or UBM had the narrowest superior chamber angle and the widest temporal chamber angle in patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma. The paired t-test showed that inter-device AOD, TIA, ARA, and TISA of superior chamber angle had significant differences (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the measured values of LV, ACD, and ACW (p > 0.05). The agreement of all parameters is good through the Bland-Altman method comparison. ICC result showed moderate agreement in other angle parameters except for superior ARA500 (0.739). CONCLUSION: In the anterior chamber angle measurement process, we should pay more attention to the superior chamber angle covered by eyelids. Although the agreement is acceptable between CASIA2 and UBM, the measurements could not be considered interchangeable due to the tremendous statistical difference between the two devices.